Use of local anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair has decreased over time in the VA system.

PURPOSE: In 2003, randomized trials demonstrated potentially improved outcomes when local instead of general anesthesia is used for inguinal hernia repair. Our study aimed to evaluate how the use of local anesthesia for this procedure changed over time following the publication of the trials' level 1 evidence. METHODS: We used the 1998-2018 Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify adults who underwent open, unilateral inguinal hernia repair under local or general anesthesia. Our primary outcome was the percentage of cases performed under local anesthesia. We used a time-series design to examine the trend and rate of change of the use of local anesthesia. RESULTS: We included 97,437 veterans, of which 22,333 (22.9%) had hernia surgery under local anesthesia. The median age of veterans receiving local anesthesia remained stable at 64-67 years over time. The use of local anesthesia decreased steadily, from 38.2% at the beginning year to 15.1% in the final year (P < 0.0001). The publication of results from randomized trials (in 2003) did not appear to increase the overall use or change the rate of decline in the use of local anesthesia. Overall, we found that the use of local anesthesia decreased by about 1.5% per year. CONCLUSION: The utilization of local anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in the VA has steadily declined over the last 20 + years, despite data showing equivalence or superiority to general anesthesia. Future studies should explore barriers to the use of local anesthesia for hernia repair.

Factors associated with African Americans' enrollment in a national cancer genetics registry.

This study explored whether reactions to the Cancer Genetics Network (CGN) or CGN enrollment differed by receipt of a standard informational brochure versus a targeted version addressing factors previously associated with African Americans' health behavior decisions and research participation. The 262 participants, identified through tumor registries or clinic contacts, were mailed brochures and completed phone interviews. When asked whether - based on the brochure - they were or were not 'leaning toward' CGN enrollment, about 75% of both standard and targeted groups reported leaning toward. When given the opportunity at the end of the interview, 68% enrolled in the CGN. Trust was strongly related to enrollment. Less education, less satisfaction with cancer care, and individualistic rather than collective orientation were associated with lower trust. Education was also bivariately associated with enrollment, but mediation analysis indicated that the operational mechanism of education's influence on enrollment was through trust.

Do benefits and barriers differ by stage of adoption for colorectal cancer screening?

In 2003, over 148,300 people were expected to be diagnosed and 56,000 to die from colorectal cancer (CRC). First-degree relatives (FDRs) of people with colon cancer have a two- to eight-fold increased risk for CRC. Despite evidence that screening is effective, adherence with screening recommendations in this at-risk population is low. This study's purposes were to (1) identify perceived benefits and barriers of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, and (2) compare demographic characteristics and perceived benefits and barriers by stage of adoption for CRC screening. Participating FDRs (n = 257) completed a 40-min structured telephone interview. Despite high rates of agreement with the benefits of screening, most FDRs were not contemplating being screened. Of those 50 and older, most were in precontemplation for FOBT, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Older age was related to stage for FOBT and sigmoidoscopy, but not colonoscopy. Lack of provider recommendation also was related to stage. Consistent with theoretical predictions, precontemplators had (1) higher rates of endorsement of specific barriers to screening and (2) lower rates of endorsement of benefits than contemplators or actors. For morbidity and mortality reduction, participation in routine, periodic screening is imperative. These findings can guide development of screening-promoting interventions.

Examining the boundaries of tailoring: the utility of tailoring versus targeting mammography interventions for two distinct populations.

Health messages can be generic, targeted to population subsets or tailored for individual recipients. There has been little examination of which populations need tailored interventions or whether tailored and targeted interventions differ in important ways. We used data from a mammography intervention study in two distinct populations to simulate a comparison of individually tailored versus targeted interventions. Tailored intervention content was based on individual recipients' interview responses. Targeted intervention content was based on composite group responses. For more than 60% in each population group, about two-thirds of tailored message content was a good match with content of the targeted intervention generated by composite group responses; roughly one-third of the content was 'not a good' fit for their intervention needs. Tailored interventions for more than 80% of subjects in each population differed in at least some way from those generated for all other population group members. This simulation is a first step in quantifying the contribution of individual tailoring over group targeting. Future research should examine whether a targeted intervention that is mostly a 'good' match results in behavioral outcomes similar to those of individually tailored interventions and whether particular differences in tailored versus targeted interventions yield significantly more favorable intervention outcomes.

Depressive symptoms, menopausal status, and climacteric symptoms in women at midlife.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found increased rates of depression in women aged 45 to 54 years, but the factors that influence these rates are not understood. It was assessed whether higher rates of depressive symptoms were associated with menopausal status, climacteric symptoms, and use of hormone replacement therapy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Community sample. METHODS: Data are from 581 women ages 45 to 54 years who were interviewed by telephone between October 1998 and February 1999. MEASURES: Depression was measured with the abbreviated CES-D, a depressive symptoms screening measure. Women's reported perception of menopausal stage, frequency of periods in the preceding 12 months, and history of oophorectomy were used to classify their menopausal status into four categories: (1) no indication of menopause; (2) close to menopause; (3) had begun menopause; and (4) had completed menopause. RESULTS: There were 168 women (28.9%) who reported a high level (> or = 10) of depressive symptoms when the abbreviated CES-D was used. In a logistic-regression analysis, significant factors associated with increased depressive symptoms included physical inactivity, inadequate income, use of estrogen/progesterone combination, and presence of climacteric symptoms (trouble sleeping, mood swings, or memory problems). Menopausal status was not associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of women age 45 to 54 years, climacteric symptoms but not menopausal status were associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms.

Perceptions of genetic risk assessment and education among first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients and implications for physicians.

BACKGROUND: Genetic risk assessment and education is a clinical service that provides an opportunity for individuals with a strong family history of cancer to understand their risk better, identify a screening regimen and discuss benefits and limitations of genetic testing. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of and attitudes to genetic risk assessment and education among first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: We conducted focus groups among first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer to assess perceptions of genetic risk assessment and education. In the groups, we elicited reactions using two definitions of genetic risk assessment and education-one brief and one more detailed-that might be used by a health practitioner during the referral process. RESULTS: Findings revealed a number of misconceptions and concerns including: (i) what is required to prepare for a session and a lack of desire to collect a family history; (ii) what is involved in a session (including assuming that genetic testing is always included in a session); (iii) distrust over accuracy and possible subjectivity of information provided; and (iv) fear of the effect that participation in a session might have on insurance status. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that health practitioners should educate individuals about genetic risk assessment and education during the initial referral process. Further studies should explore how best to do this.

Women's interest in chemoprevention for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chemoprevention is the use of pharmacologic or natural agents to inhibit the development of cancer. Tamoxifen citrate is the only approved chemopreventive agent for breast cancer. We sought to determine whether women are interested in taking a drug to prevent breast cancer and to assess the relationship between objective and subjective breast cancer risk and interest in chemoprevention. METHODS: We conducted telephone interviews (November 3, 1997, to May 6, 1998) among a community sample of women aged 40 to 45 and 50 to 55 years enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a tailored mammography decision aid. Objective breast cancer risk was measured using the 5-year Gail score. Subjective breast cancer risk was measured using perceptions of absolute risk, perceptions of comparative risk, and worry about getting breast cancer. At 12-month follow-up (November 2, 1998, to July 20, 1999), we measured interest in taking a drug to prevent breast cancer. RESULTS: Among the 1273 women surveyed, 23% were interested in taking a drug to prevent breast cancer; 8% were potentially eligible for tamoxifen therapy (5-year Gail score > or = 1.66%). Eligibility for chemoprevention, based on the 5-year Gail score, was not associated with interest in taking a drug to prevent breast cancer. Women who were worried about breast cancer were 3 times more likely to be interested in taking a drug to prevent breast cancer than those who were not worried. CONCLUSION: Women's interest in chemoprevention might arise more from worries about getting breast cancer than from their objective risk factors.

The effects of standard care counseling or telephone/in-person counseling on beliefs, knowledge, and behavior related to mammography screening.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the most effective methods of increasing mammography adherence while also considering ease of intervention delivery in evolving healthcare systems. DESIGN: Experimental. SETTING: Women from a health maintenance organization and a large general medicine practice. SAMPLE: Women 50-85 years of age who had not had breast cancer and did not have a mammogram within the last 15 months. METHODS: Once consent and baseline information were obtained, women were randomized to receive in-person, telephone, or no mammography counseling. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Mammography adherence, perception of susceptibility to breast cancer, and benefits, barriers to, and knowledge of mammography. FINDINGS: Compared to standard care, telephone counseling was more than twice as effective at increasing mammography adherence, whereas in-person counseling resulted in almost three times the mammography adherence postintervention. Both telephone and in-person counseling are successful in changing perceived susceptibility, knowledge, barriers, and benefits. CONCLUSION: Both telephone and in-person counseling interventions were successful in changing beliefs, which, in turn, increased mammography adherence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Interventions based on altering beliefs are effective for increasing mammography adherence.

Factors associated with repeat mammography screening.

BACKGROUND: Even organizations with differing mammography recommendations agree that regular repeat screening is required for mortality reduction. However, most studies have focused on one-time screening rather than repeat adherence. We compare trends in beliefs and health-related behaviors among women screened and adherent to the National Cancer Institute's screening mammography recommendations (on schedule), those screened at least once and nonadherent (off schedule), and those never screened. METHODS: Our data are from a baseline telephone interview conducted among 1,287 female members of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina who were aged either 40 to 44 years or 50 to 54 years. RESULTS: The 3 groups differed significantly on beliefs and health-related behaviors, with the off-schedule group almost consistently falling between the on-schedule and never screened groups. Off-schedule women were more likely than on-schedule women, but less likely than those never screened, to not have a clinical breast examination within 12 months, to be ambivalent about screening mammography, to be confused about screening guidelines, and to not be advised by a physician to get a mammogram in the past 2 years. Off-schedule women perceived their breast cancer risk as lower and were less likely to be up to date with other cancer screening tests. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that women who are off schedule are in need of mammography-promoting interventions, including recommendations from and discussion with their health care providers. Because they are more positive and knowledgeable about mammography than women who have never been screened, they may benefit from brief interventions from health care providers that highlight the importance of repeat screening.

Outcomes of the Learn, Share & Live breast cancer education program for older urban women.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed whether the Learn, Share & Live breast cancer education program resulted in favorable, replicable, and sustainable outcomes. METHODS: The program was implemented at index (year 1) and replication (year 2) sites. Baseline interviews (year 1; n = 240) and 2 follow-up telephone interviews (years 2 and 3; n = 337 and 323) were used to assess postintervention changes. RESULTS: From baseline to year 2, mammography adherence and stage of adoption improved at the index site relative to the replication site. Knowledge scores and percentages of respondents reporting that a friend had spoken with them about mammography improved significantly. Improvements were sustained through year 3 (2 years postintervention). In year 3, replication participants showed improvements in regard to knowledge and perceived mammography benefits, and there was a trend toward increased adherence. Site differences in postintervention adherence may have stemmed from respective choices of follow-up activities. CONCLUSIONS: The study outcomes affirm the impact of Learn, Share & Live, indicating a replicated and sustained program effect. Future studies should continue longer follow-up and explore the importance of providing mammography opportunities along with education.

Colorectal cancer screening beliefs. Focus groups with first-degree relatives.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceived benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening reported by first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the authors used focus groups to identify perceived benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening among parents and children of colorectal cancer patients. Four focus groups were conducted with relatives of colorectal cancer patients seen at two university medical centers in the Midwest. The groups ranged in size from five to eight members each and were stratified by gender. RESULTS: Four benefits of colorectal cancer screening were identified by participants: finding colorectal cancer early, decreasing the chances of dying from colorectal cancer, freedom from worry about colorectal cancer, and reassurance that one was cancer-free. Four main barriers were identified that applied to all four types of colorectal cancer screening or to colorectal cancer screening in general. These included inadequate public awareness of colorectal cancer, inconsistent recommendations from healthcare providers, concerns about the efficacy of screening tests, and embarrassment. Barriers unique to each screening test also were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding individual beliefs about the benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening will allow clinicians and researchers to develop effective interventions to increase screening. Results from the focus groups have been used to develop an instrument to measure benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening, which now needs to be tested with more culturally and socioeconomically diverse groups.

Patient Motivation, Satisfaction, and Coping in Genetic Counseling and Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Women with a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer can now have genetic testing, that may identify mutations associated with increased cancer predisposition. Within the context of a clinical trial evaluating printed educational materials, we examined motivation, satisfaction, coping, and perceptions of genetic counseling and testing among 159 women who underwent pretest counseling and made a testing decision. Ninety-six percent of the participants elected to have BRCA1/2 testing. When making a decision about genetic testing, study participants were concerned less about the potential negative effects that could result from testing than the potential benefits. After counseling, participants said that they felt better able to make decisions that were right for them and that their questions and concerns were adequately addressed during the session. Ninety-five percent of the women were satisfied with their test decision. Participants used a range of strategies to cope with thoughts and feelings about cancer and/or genetic testing immediately following test decision. Results suggest that the genetic counseling session helped women make decisions about testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, even in the setting of a trial in which all women also received detailed educational materials. Further, the results indicate that future research focusing on perceptions of risks and benefits of testing and of coping strategies immediately following test decision may be warranted.

Cost-effectiveness comparison of five interventions to increase mammography screening.

BACKGROUND: Mammography is the primary method used for breast cancer screening. However, compliance with recommended screening practices is still below acceptable levels. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of five combinations of physician recommendation and telephone or in-person individualized counseling strategies for increasing compliance with mammography. METHODS: There were 808 participants who were randomly assigned to one of six groups. A logistic regression model with compliance as the dependent variable and group as the independent variable was used to test for significant differences and a ratio of cost to improvement in mammogram compliance evaluated the cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Three of the interventions (in-person, telephone plus letter, and in-person plus letter) had significantly better compliance rates compared with the control, physician letter, or telephone alone. However, when considering costs, only one emerged as the superior strategy. The cost-effectiveness ratios for the five interventions show that telephone-plus-letter is the most cost-effective strategy, achieving a 35.6% mammography compliance at a marginal cost of $0.78 per 1% increase in women screened. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored phone prompt and physician reminder is an effective and economical intervention to increase mammography. Future research should confirm this finding and address its applicability to practice.

Risk beliefs and interest in counseling: focus-group interviews among first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives (FDRs) of breast cancer patients are at potential genetic risk for developing breast cancer. Although FDRs are being targeted for screening and counseling, few studies have explored their beliefs about risk modification or preferences for risk counseling. METHODS: To learn more about these beliefs, the authors conducted four focus groups among FDRs (n = 29). RESULTS: Findings indicate misunderstanding about risk and interest in more information. For instance, the participants confused risk factors with causes, discounting scientific validity of risk-factor information if they knew a breast cancer victim without risk factors or with protective factors. Most FDRs thought lifestyle factors contributed to risk. The overwhelming majority thought they could reduce personal risk by lifestyle modifications. Most were not interested in genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility, saying they would worry too much if they learned they had a mutated gene. According to the participants, lack of primary prevention techniques negates the value of genetic testing. CONCLUSION: If risk counseling for FDRs is to become more widespread, these exploratory findings should be addressed in research and program development.

Transrectal versus transvaginal abscess drainage: survey of patient tolerance and effect on activities of daily living.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient perception of pain related to transrectal and transvaginal drainage and the catheter's effect on activities of daily living. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1993 to August 1997, 22 male and 40 female patients (mean age, 41 years; age range, 4-80 years) underwent transrectal or transvaginal aspiration or drainage. Fifty-seven drainages were performed. In a follow-up survey, patients were asked to score pain experienced during the procedure and afterward on a scale of 1-10 and to rate the effect of the catheter on their activities of daily living. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients participated in the telephone survey. For those able to recall the insertion procedure, the mean pain score was 3.2 for transrectal and 5.9 for transvaginal drainage. Mean indwelling catheter pain was 1.6 for transrectal and 4.8 for transvaginal drainage. Pain after removal was 1.4 for transrectal and 2.3 for transvaginal drainage. Only one patient with a transrectal catheter reported severe limitation (bowel movement), with no reports of any serious effect on urinating, bathing, sitting, or walking. Transvaginally placed catheters caused marked limitation in all categories and were more painful than transrectal catheters (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Of the transrectal and transvaginal approaches, transrectal is better tolerated.

Factors influencing compliance with home exercise programs among patients with upper-extremity impairment.

OBJECTIVE: Patient cooperation and satisfaction with home exercise programs are important for successful outcomes of intervention. This study investigated factors from three models to predict increased compliance and satisfaction with home exercise programs: the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), including the volition subsystem (interests), habituation subsystem (roles), and performance subsystem (reported physical capacity); the Health Belief Model (HBM), including perceived barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, and severity; and the Health Locus of Control (HLOC). METHOD: Sixty-two outpatients at an orthopedic upper-extremity rehabilitation facility completed a battery of questionnaires and self-report instruments, including a health belief survey to assess HBM factors, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Modified Activity Profile to assess the performance subsystem of the MOHO, a demographic questionnaire (including roles), a report of home exercise, and a satisfaction scale of their therapist's treatment. Compliance was determined by comparing participants' report of exercises performed to exercises specified on their medical chart. RESULTS: Stepwise regression identified two predictors of compliance: perceived self-efficacy and internal HLOC, R2 = .16. CONCLUSION: Results supported the role of the MOHO's volition subsystem, but roles and physical capacity--representing the habituation and performance subsystems of the MOHO--did not contribute significantly to the prediction of compliance.

Sociodemographic and health status characteristics with prostate cancer screening in a national cohort of middle-aged male veterans.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize variables associated with obtaining prostate cancer screening in a nonclinical, nationally distributed, middle-aged male population. METHODS: Telephone interviews were administered to 2652 individual members of the Vietnam Era Twin Registry in 1992 and 1995. Dependent variables were self-report measures of having had a digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in the past 5 years. Independent variables were current measures of age, household income, education, race, insurance, source of care, and lifetime measures of physical condition, psychiatric illness, and alcohol and nicotine dependence. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of the sample reported having had a PSA and DRE within the past 5 years. Prevalence of obtaining either a PSA or DRE varied with age, income, education, and race. Subjects with a regular source of care, a regular physician, and health insurance reported higher rates of having had a DRE or PSA and DRE. Persons with a physical or psychiatric illness reported more screening. A multiple regression model revealed that having a regular source of care, having a regular physician, physical illness, psychiatric illness, minority status, higher income, and age predicted having had some form of screening. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial portion of middle-aged men have had both a PSA and DRE performed at least once in the preceding 5 years. It may be possible to further improve prostate cancer screening participation by directing educational programs at men who are not in contact with the healthcare system. If the PSA and DRE screening guidelines that are finally adopted discourage screening among low-risk men younger than age 50, educational programs that emphasize age screening criteria may be warranted.

How effective is tailored print communication?

This article reviews the "first generation" of tailored print communications studies in the published literature, describing the purpose, theoretical framework, sample, research design, message type and source, outcomes measured, and findings of each. Eight studies compared tailored versus similar nontailored print; one compared tailored print versus an alternate intervention, and three included tailored print as one of several intervention components. Although studies varied by behavioral topic, type of tailoring, and measurement of behavioral outcomes, several themes persist. Compared to their nontailored counterparts, tailored print communications have been consistently better remembered, read, and perceived as relevant and/or credible. There is also evidence that tailored print communications are more effective for influencing health behaviors. Six of the eight tailored/nontailored comparisons found more behavior change among tailored than nontailored recipients. Tailored print communications have also demonstrated effectiveness as an adjunct to other intervention components such as self-help smoking cessation manuals. However, studies comparing tailored print communications with tailoring via other media such as telephone counseling have shown mixed results. Additional research is needed to assess whether the behavioral topic itself may make a difference in whether tailoring is appropriate and effective.

Psychological factors related to stage of mammography adoption.

This study examined the differences among women at different stages of mammography adoption on Health Belief Model variables, response efficacy, knowledge, and avoidance. A random sample of 361 women aged > or =40 years were grouped into six stages of mammography adoption (precontemplation, contemplation, action, maintenance, relapse precontemplation, relapse contemplation). A multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among women on all components of the Health Belief Model except perceived seriousness, as well as differences on response efficacy, knowledge, and avoidance. Results indicate that there are significant differences between women who have never had a mammogram (precontemplation and contemplation stages) and women who have had a mammogram in the past but are currently noncompliant (relapse stages). Further, significant differences were found between compliant women who have had one mammogram (action) and compliant women who have had multiple mammograms (maintenance) on barriers, motivation, confidence, and avoidance.